July 9, 2008
Kelowna, B.C. – Politicians, business leaders and celebrities got in bed together today to bring attention to the need for homes, food security and green spaces for all.
It’s all part of the province-wide Special Places campaign, in which B.C. residents are being encouraged to donate their $100 Carbon Tax rebate to fund homeless projects and protect green space. Locally, funds will support the work of NOW Canada Society.
New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Canada Society is a Kelowna-based charity that provides safe housing and supports to sexually exploited female youth and homeless women and children in our community.
Today’s event included a bed, set up at the corner of Bernard Avenue and Pandosy Street, some tomato plants and a child’s bike, recreating what a Special Place looks like – with a warm, safe bed, food and the opportunity to enjoy green space. Among those participating in today’s event was Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd.
“I have always supported NOW Canada, recognizing that there are women and children in need in our community. I’ve also been supportive of initiatives that protect the environment. So, I was happy to contribute my $100 to this campaign,” said Shepherd, inviting others to participate.
Robert Fine, Executive Director of the Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission, was also on hand.
“I understand that community investment depends on creating a livable community, where we not only look at the financial bottom line but the human element as well,” Fine explained. “I am happy to contribute to Special Places and support NOW Canada as we all work together to make Kelowna a healthier community for everyone.”
This is the second time the bed has been set up on the high traffic corner in downtown Kelowna. The first time, two weeks ago, received such a positive response that a second event was organized with some of the same faces, but mostly new ones, added Corinne Jackson, Fundraising Coordinator for NOW Canada.
“People want to participate. They like the idea of leveraging their $100 to maximize results, helping address climate change by protecting green space, but also helping address homelessness and poverty,” said Jackson, noting the campaign is a partnership between This Community Cares Foundation, an umbrella organization that includes NOW Canada, and The Land Conservancy.
“Also, this event has allowed us to reach people whom we have never had the opportunity to reach out to before. Often when we go out and talk about these types of social issues, we’re preaching to the converted. This has given us an opportunity to talk to people who work downtown and see evidence of homelessness and poverty every day, and we’ve given them a tangible way to help address the issue. This is an incredibly caring community and people are looking for ways to help make it better.”
Others participants in today’s event included: City Councillors Michele Rule, Norm Letnick and Robert Hobson (also chair of the Central Okanagan Regional District), Tim Brown – President of the Downtown Kelowna Association, Randy Benson – vice chair for the Central Okanagan’s Poverty and Homelessness Action Team (PHAT-CO) and Executive Director of Kelowna Gospel Mission, Hotelier and Columnist Maxine DeHart, recent Order of B.C. recipient Mohini Singh, local businesswoman and community activist Dina Kotler, CHBC-TV weatherman Mike Roberts, Liz McKinney with Power 104, and NOW Canada board member Rick Potter.
For more information on how to donate, other This Community Cares projects and the campaign, visit the Special Places website at: www.specialplacesbc.ca.
Backgrounder
The Special Places campaign is a partnership between The Land Conservancy and This Community Cares Foundation. When you donate to Special Places, 50 per cent goes to The Land Conservancy to protect green spaces for all British Columbians in perpetuity, and 50 per cent goes to This Community Cares Foundation – which is representing eight charities in B.C. who are working to end homelessness and build strong, vibrant communities.
We have had some people ask ‘Why wouldn’t I give my $100 to NOW Canada.’ And we’re saying you can, but there is a benefit to participating in a province-wide campaign. When someone donates in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey or Prince George or any other city in B.C., some of those funds come to Kelowna. And the fact is, homelessness knows no boundaries. The people we assist come here from across the province. It’s a transient population we work with. When someone in Kelowna donates, we are helping a woman that may end up in Vancouver or elsewhere.
In the case of New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Canada, it provides an extensive continuum of care to sexually exploited female youth and homeless women and children across B.C., including safe homes, life and employment skills, trauma and equine-assisted therapy, affordable housing and other supports.
Media Contact:
Corinne Jackson
NOW Canada Society, Fundraising Coordinator
Office: 250-763-3876
Cell: 250-215-1627
